about a poker room opening in Portland, which ordinarily would be illegal. Officials aren't quite sure what to make of it. The first one is operating in Memphis and they have other franchises planned.

As far as I can tell, it works like this:

1. They have playmoney games where winners get invited to freerolls.

2. You can pay a subscription, which lets you schedule your play ahead of time online, and they'll track your stats. Nonsubscribers don't get these features but can still play in the games.

3. Freerolls are weekly and monthly with cash prizes.

They also sell food and beverages.

Anyone else heard of this or been to one of these?

Wouldn't this work in an online setting? why not set up servers right here in te good old USA and give Kyle and Frist a fucking heart attack.

There already IS this sort of thing going on online...I forget the site name. It lets you win prizes and freeroll entries based on playing time...and it makes its money through ad banners etc. LAME